In a stunning display of historical revisionism, a new documentary from producer Shaun Peterson has sparked outrage by claiming that one of America’s most revered presidents, Abraham Lincoln, had a secret life as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. The documentary, *Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln*, attempts to reframe Lincoln’s life and legacy through a modern progressive lens, suggesting that the Civil War president engaged in romantic relationships with men throughout his life.
Unsurprisingly, this film has already ignited a firestorm of controversy. From the moment the trailer dropped earlier this summer, conservative commentators and historians have condemned the project for pushing a baseless and politically motivated narrative. Ben Shapiro and even X owner Elon Musk weighed in, calling out the absurdity of this historical revisionism. For many, it’s yet another example of the Left attempting to rewrite history to suit its agenda, regardless of the facts.
The documentary relies heavily on selective scholarship and questionable interpretations of historical records. According to Peterson, the film includes interviews with so-called Lincoln experts, as well as never-before-seen letters and photographs that allegedly support the notion of Lincoln’s hidden romantic life. The documentary focuses on four of Lincoln’s close associates, particularly his long-time friend, Joshua Speed, whose friendship with Lincoln has been a target for progressive reinterpretation for years.
The film was inspired by *The Intimate World of Abraham Lincoln*, a controversial book that has long been criticized for its speculative claims. According to the book, Lincoln’s close relationship with Speed, with whom he shared a bed while living in Springfield, Illinois, is evidence of a romantic involvement. These claims have been dismissed by many historians as anachronistic, arguing that the cultural norms of the 19th century were different from today’s standards. Yet, Peterson doubles down on these claims, asserting that Lincoln’s awkwardness around women and his troubled marriage to Mary Todd are further evidence of his supposed sexual fluidity.
What makes this documentary even more frustrating is Peterson’s transparent agenda. In an interview with *The Daily Beast*, Peterson openly admitted that he anticipated conservative backlash, acknowledging the highly political nature of his work. He framed criticism of the film as “homophobic,” ignoring legitimate concerns about historical accuracy. According to Peterson, the documentary aims to spark debate not just about Lincoln, but about the very nature of human sexuality and the alleged harms caused by society’s adherence to traditional gender roles. In his words, the Lincoln storyline is merely a “Trojan horse” to introduce broader discussions on these topics.
Peterson’s dismissive attitude toward his critics only further inflames the situation. He insists that questioning the film’s historical validity is inherently homophobic, even though it is perfectly reasonable to scrutinize the accuracy of such an inflammatory claim about a beloved figure in American history. The Left has long sought to recast historical figures in its own image, and this film appears to be the latest effort to force a woke reinterpretation of history.
While Peterson insists that his film is rooted in scholarship, many see it for what it is: a blatant attempt to use one of America’s greatest leaders as a pawn in the culture war. Instead of celebrating Lincoln’s incredible achievements—leading the nation through the Civil War, preserving the Union, and ending slavery—this documentary reduces him to a tool for advancing a modern political agenda.
At a time when historical revisionism is becoming increasingly common, *Lover of Men* is yet another reminder of the dangers of distorting history to fit contemporary narratives. Lincoln’s legacy should be honored for what it truly is: a testament to courage, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to liberty and justice for all. Anything less is a disservice to both the man and the nation he helped to preserve.
